Having a strong online presence is vital for real estate professionals hoping to compete in a saturated market, particularly in the current digital era. The Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most useful solutions to enable purchasers and sellers to find you quickly.
This comprehensive guide will take you step by step through building and maximising your GBP so that you bring in more clients, boost your online presence, and, ultimately, increase your real estate business. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Why It’s Essential For Real Estate Agents To Create A Google Business Profile
Imagine this: you’re a homebuyer searching for a real estate agent in your area. What’s the first thing you would do? Like most people, you would turn to Google. A well-optimized GBP guarantees that when potential clients search for real estate services, your business appears in a leading position, with necessary information like your contact details, services, and exceptional reviews.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Let’s first get your profile going:
- Go to the Google Business Profile Manager: Go to business.google.com and sign in using your Google account.
- Add Your Business: Click on “Add your business” and add your name. Use the same name for your business everywhere to build trust and credibility.
- Select Your Business Category: Choose “Real Estate Agent” as your primary category. If so, include secondary categories such as “Real Estate Consultant.”
- Insert Your Location: If you operate from a physical office, type in the address. Remote workers can conceal their addresses and insert their service areas instead.
- Include Contact Information: Insert your business phone number and website URL. Make sure that this information is the same everywhere online.
- Verification: Google will need verification via a postcard to your business address. Follow the instructions to finalise the process.
Step 2: Optimize Your Business Information
With your profile claimed and verified, now it’s time to enhance your details:
- Business Hours: Consider keeping your business hours at 24/7 availability. Even if you don’t take calls outside those hours, this method signals potential clients that you’re always reachable, which can result in higher engagement.
- Business Description: Create a good description of 750 characters or less. Emphasise your services, experience, and uniqueness. Include necessary keywords naturally, like “Texas real estate agent” or “luxury homes expert.”
- Service Areas: Mention the neighbourhoods, cities, or areas you cover. This allows Google to associate you with local searches.
Step 3: Sell Your Business with Quality Images
A photo is worth a thousand words, particularly in real estate:
- Profile and Cover Photos: Use a professional headshot and a high-quality photo that reflects your brand.
- Office Photos: If you have an actual location, add interior and exterior photos to make clients familiar with your office.
- Property Photos and Videos: Showcase your active listings or closing successes. Quality photos drive sales, and videos increase your chances of getting your listings noticed.
- Team Photos: Welcome your team to make your business more personal and trustworthy.
Step 4: Foster and Manage Client Reviews
Reviews are gold for real estate agents:
- Ask for Reviews: After successful sales, please request clients to leave a review on your GBP. Simplify it by sharing a link.
- Respond to Reviews: Appreciate the good and professionally address any issues mentioned in bad reviews. This is the proof of your dedication to client satisfaction.
Step 5: Use the Q&A Feature
The Q&A portion enables prospective customers to pose questions directly on your GBP:
- Proactively Add FAQs: Fill out this section with typical questions and answers regarding your services, buying/selling procedures, or industry trends.
- Watch and Respond Promptly: Watch for new questions and respond promptly with informative answers.
Step 6: Posting Regular Updates and Offers
Maintain your audience’s interest by posting regularly:
- New Listings: Post information and images of fresh properties available for sale.
- Market Updates: Share local real estate trends.
- Client Testimonials: Highlight successful experiences of previous clients.
- Community Events: Share your participation in local events or sponsorship.
Regular posts alert Google and prospective clients that your business is active and engaged.
Step 7: Use Insights to Monitor Performance
Google offers analytics to inform you how clients engage with your profile:
- Monitor Metrics: Track views, searches, and actions on your profile.
- Refine Strategies: Utilize this information to improve your strategy, identifying what best attracts and retains clients.
Take Your Real Estate Business to the Next Level with Oley
There is no question that an optimally optimised GBP is a force to be reckoned with, but combining it with a full-fledged platform like Oley can catapult your real estate business to the next level. Oley provides a suite of services with their beautiful websites designed specifically for real estate agents, such as:
- Advanced CRM Tools: Seamlessly manage client relationships and communications.
- Marketing Automation: Automate your marketing campaigns and streamline your efforts.
- Lead Generation: Access resources aimed at getting and converting leads efficiently.
- MLS Integration: Make sure your listings are up to date at all times so that you never miss a chance.
- Mobile-Responsive Designs: Having no website your clients can access on any device is often a big dealbreaker; we make sure realtors don’t have to face that ever.
Take a look at our pricing plans and discover one which will suit you best.
Ready to begin? Schedule a demo for free to try out Oley’s features yourself and learn in-depth about how we plan to make you successful and soar to unimaginable heights without breaking the bank!
Time To Show Up Where Buyers Are Looking
Optimising your Google Business Profile is a savvy strategy that can significantly improve your online visibility and assist realtors in gaining more clients. By utilising our guide and incorporating tools such as Oley into your process, you’re setting up your real estate company for increased visibility, resulting in more success.
Consistency and interaction are important. Update your information, engage with customers via reviews and Q&A, and promote your expertise through regular updates. Good luck with your successful real estate career!
